Friday, March 20, 2009

Walmart Makes Eye Care More Affordable for Millions of Americans

Retailer Provides Dramatic Savings on both Contact Lenses and Youth Eye wear

BENTONVILLE, Ark., March 19, 2009 – Committed to helping Americans save on out-of-pocket health care costs, Wal-Mart Stores Inc., today announced it has sharply reduced what customers pay for both contact lenses* and youth eye wear.

In an effort to further drive down health care costs, Walmart and 1-800 CONTACTS, the world’s largest retailer of contact lenses, are working together to help more Americans save as much as 12 to 50 percent on the costs of a yearly supply of contact lenses. Additionally, Walmart has lowered its prices on glasses and frames for children and teenagers to make quality eye wear more affordable for families across the nation.

“Working with our suppliers and 1-800 CONTACTS, we have found a way to help our contact lens customers spend less and save more,” said Dr. John Agwunobi, senior vice president and president of Walmart’s Health and Wellness division. “By offering greater accessibility and affordability, we believe the customer savings could reach $400 million during the first three years of this alliance.”

Walmart’s program with 1-800 CONTACTS offers the convenience of high quality care provided by some of the nation’s finest independent eye doctors combined with world class customer support offered by 1-800 CONTACTS’ 24-hour online and telephone customer service representatives to all Walmart customers. Walmart and 1-800 CONTACTS estimate that customers have already saved more than $25 million since the program began rolling nationwide in January.

“At a time when every penny counts, contact lens wearers want to save money and get brand name contact lenses conveniently,” said Jonathan Coon, chief executive officer at 1-800 CONTACTS. “We are proud to be working with Walmart. Together, we have eliminated the hassle of mail-in rebates and replaced them with instant savings at the register. Our alliance improves access and lowers costs – enabling contact lens wearers to replace their lenses more frequently and live healthier lives.”

To help families during tough economic times, Walmart has also lowered prices on quality eye wear for children 18 years old and younger. Year-round, parents and caregivers will find youth frames and lenses for as low as $39. Walmart will also provide a one year guaranteed free replacement if the glasses are damaged.***

“No matter how bad the economy gets, families should never have to sacrifice their children’s ability to see the world in all its detail,” said Agwunobi. “This offering draws directly from our commitment to help families save money so they can live better.”

Walmart Vision Center customers will find 18 different youth frame styles and colors for only $10.

Additionally, customers have three youth lens options:

* $29 – Single Vision Youth Poly Impact resistant lens
* $49 – Single Vision Poly Impact resistant with Platinum finish (finish helps reduce glare)
* $79 – Single Vision Poly Impact resistant with Platinum finish and Transitions (transition lenses darken in sunlight to protect eyes from harmful rays from the sun)

Popular brands of stylish frames are also available at unbeatable prices. They include:

* Baby Phat
* Phat Farm
* Body Glove
* Nickelodeon
* Hanna Montana
* Turbo Flex
* Umbro
* Oscar de la Renta

This summer, consumers will also be able to choose from our new Daisy Fuentes frames at everyday low prices.

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